Needless signs and clutter which have become a blot on Beverley are being targeted by the civic society and county council.

Historic Beverley's streets have become clogged up with unnecessary signs, road markings and other paraphernalia.

A clear-up has now been ordered amid concerns that the market town's historic buildings and architectural gems are being obscured by the hotchpotch of 21st century clutter.

Mike Hildyard, of Beverley and District Civic Society, said: "People like coming to Beverley because they like walking around and looking at the historic buildings but increasingly you can't see the buildings for the clutter.

"One would expect that once you are in the conservation area you would have a more discreet way of dealing with things."

Unnecessary signs such as a "red light stop" at traffic signals in New Walkergate are among the signs which have angered civic leaders.

They have also taken a dim view of illuminated car park signs recently installed around the town centre.

The new electronic signs are not among those earmarked for the blitz on clutter but about a dozen pointless signs have already been removed from the town centre and more are set to follow.

Other items targeted for attention include poorly located street furniture, such as litter bins, and unsightly commercial waste bins which officers insist should be hidden from view.

East Riding Council's head of street scene services John Skidmore said dozens of improvements have already been made following walkabouts with civic society members and ward councillors.

He said: "We are looking at what things are there for and do they need to be there.

"We are looking to minimise the clutter and ensure things are in a good condition and state of repair."

The council is also working with town businesses and utility companies on the initiative.

Mr Skidmore said: "We are working with businesses on a range of things to make sure the town looks neat and tidy.

"Where there are commercial waste containers restricting walkways we are working with businesses to relocate them.

"We are also talking to the utility companies about the condition of their assets, such as power units, that may need painting."

There will be a review of progress at on the spot talks next month.

Mr Skidmore said: "It's an ongoing issue, it's not something we will see an end to because of the dynamic nature of the town centre.

"There's always developments in terms of what we and others are doing and it's about ensuring we maintain a high standard."

Mr Skidmore is also conducting a similar initiative with community leaders in Bridlington and he also visits rural areas.

He said: "It's about listening to what people have got to say, valuing their opinion and managing expectation."

Highways portfolio holder Councillor Matthew Grove commented: "We need to be making sure the signs that are there are serving a purpose.

"If you have got thousands of signs up people start to ignore them, we have to keep the value of the signs by making sure we don't have too many."

* Do you know of an necessary sign that should be removed? Call the Mail on (01482) 398109.